This document describes how settings are implemented in PowerToys modules, including code examples for C++ and C# modules, and details on debugging settings issues.
## C++ Settings Implementation
For C++ modules, the settings system is implemented in the following files:
-`settings_objects.h` and `settings_objects.cpp`: Define the basic settings objects
-`settings_helpers.h` and `settings_helpers.cpp`: Helper functions for reading/writing settings
-`settings_manager.h` and `settings_manager.cpp`: Main interface for managing settings
### Reading Settings in C++
```cpp
#include <common/settings_objects.h>
#include <common/settings_helpers.h>
auto settings = PowerToysSettings::Settings::LoadSettings(L"ModuleName");
Ensure the module interface provides either `size_t get_hotkeys(Hotkey* hotkeys, size_t buffer_size)` or `std::optional<HotkeyEx> GetHotkeyEx()`.
- If not yet implemented, you need to add it so that it returns all hotkeys used by the module.
- **Important**: The order of the returned hotkeys matters. This order is used as an index to uniquely identify each hotkey for conflict detection and lookup.
- For reference, see: `src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteModuleInterface/dllmain.cpp`
### 2. Implement IHotkeyConfig in the module settings (UI side)
Make sure the module’s settings file inherits from `IHotkeyConfig` and implements `HotkeyAccessor[] GetAllHotkeyAccessors()`.
- This method should return all hotkeys used in the module.
- **Important**: The order of the returned hotkeys must be consistent with step 1 (`get_hotkeys()` or `GetHotkeyEx()`).
- For reference, see: `src/settings-ui/Settings.UI.Library/AdvancedPasteSettings.cs`
- **_Note:_** `HotkeyAccessor` is a wrapper around HotkeySettings.
It provides both `getter` and `setter` methods to read and update the corresponding hotkey.
Additionally, each `HotkeyAccessor` requires a resource string that describes the purpose of the hotkey.
This string is typically defined in: `src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/Strings/en-us/Resources.resw`
### 3. Update the module’s ViewModel
The corresponding ViewModel should inherit from `PageViewModelBase` and implement `Dictionary<string, HotkeySettings[]> GetAllHotkeySettings()`.
- This method should return all hotkeys, maintaining the same order as in steps 1 and 2.
- For reference, see: `src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/ViewModels/AdvancedPasteViewModel.cs`
### 4. Ensure the module’s Views call `OnPageLoaded()`
Once the module’s view is loaded, make sure to invoke the ViewModel’s `OnPageLoaded()` method:
```cs
Loaded += (s, e) => ViewModel.OnPageLoaded();
```
- For reference, see: `src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/SettingsXAML/Views/AdvancedPaste.xaml.cs`
1. Check the settings files in `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\`
2. Ensure JSON is well-formed
3. Monitor IPC communication between settings UI and runner using debugger breakpoints at key points:
- In the Settings UI when sending configuration changes
- In the Runner when receiving and dispatching changes
- In the Module when applying changes
4. Look for log messages related to settings changes in the PowerToys logs
### Common Issues
- **Settings not saving**: Check file permissions or conflicts with other processes accessing the file
- **Settings not applied**: Verify IPC communication is working and the module is properly handling the configuration
- **Incorrect settings values**: Check JSON parsing and type conversion in the module code
## Adding a New Module with Settings
Adding a new module with settings requires changes across multiple projects. Here's a step-by-step guide with references to real implementation examples:
### 1. Settings UI Library (Data Models)
Define the data models for your module's settings in the Settings UI Library project. These data models will be serialized to JSON configuration files stored in `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\`.
The ShellPage.xaml is the entry point for the PowerToys settings, providing a navigation view of all modules. Add a navigation item for your new module.
